Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 263

There are two beautiful islands in the
East Sea, which are Ulleungdo and Dokdo.
Dokdo is the home of many sea birds.
During the breeding season, from April
to June, Dokdo provides a fantastic sight
when sea gulls are calling to each other
in packs and flying in formations. Dokdo
also plays an important role as a resting
area for the migratory sea birds crossing
the East Sea. The Korean government
has designated the area as the Dokdo
Nature Preservation Zone in order to
protect this pristine natural environment
and the ecological system of Dokdo.
Dokdo, a beautiful island of Korea
8.5 DMZ: the Legacy of the Cold War
With the Armistice Agreement after the Korean War in 1953, Korea was divided into South and North
Korea alongside the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). The MDL area is one of the most heavily for-
tified areas in the world. South and North Koreas each withdrew 2 km from the line, and set up the
DMZ which means Demilitarized Zone. The total area of the DMZ is 992 km 2 , accounting for 0.45% of
the whole Korean peninsula.
The underground tunnels built in the DMZ areas for military infiltration by North Korea in the 1970’s
demonstrate well the tension of this area. Panmunjom, the Joint Security Area maintained by both
South and North Korea, is the most popular place for tourists in the area. It is a place where the
bilateral meetings between South and North Korea are held. There are about 10 million people who
were separated from their family members as a result of the Korean War. From time to time, family
reunion events take place in Panmunjom.
South Korean soldiers on duty to
watch the border
Panmunjom
Scene of separated families at
a reunion event
Although the MDL is a symbol of Korea’s division, the high security has allowed the DMZ to grow
into one of the world’s most abundant and well-preserved nature reserves, free from public access.
The largest marsh, 13 endangered species and conserved species were found there. South Korea, in
cooperation with the UN, is pursuing to construct a “World Peace Park” in the DMZ, in order to make
it a land of peace and life.
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